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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle traffic alert: Why you’ll want to detour around the Fauntleroy/California intersection
February 15, 2014 11:30 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo – looking west on Fauntleroy from California)
11:30 AM: Once in a while, projects with a big short-term effect show up without big advance warnings. Here’s one of them. Thanks so much to the person who called to flag us to the major work happening right now at Fauntleroy/California – involving traffic-signal replacement and police directing traffic (since the signals aren’t working while they’re in the process of being replaced). Lane reductions on all sides. Businesses are open, but you’ll want to find alternate ways of accessing them. The crew on the scene tells us this is scheduled to continue through tomorrow (we’ll update if it ends earlier).

7:23 PM UPDATE: While the work isn’t continuing into the night, the signals are out because of it and there is an officer on-site directing traffic, with temporary portable lights illuminating the intersection.

SUNDAY, 4:31 PM: As SeaChanty51 noted in comments an hour-plus ago, the new signals are in and working! We just drove through to confirm.

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West Seattle real estate: 2310 California SW for sale
February 15, 2014 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle real estate: 2310 California SW for sale
 |   Development | West Seattle news

An Admiral District site that’s had its ups and downs in recent years has just been listed for sale as a potential development lot. 2310 California SW (WSB September 2013 photo at left) was known most recently as the site of restaurants including Brickyard BBQ. In 2006-2008, the site went through Design Review for a mixed-use project that never got to the construction phase (not unusual back in recession times). Now it’s being marketed as a “highly desirable NC2-40 lot,” asking price $1,050,000.

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West Seattle Saturday: Traffic reminder; City of Joy donations; shred/sweat for a cause; basketball; theater; music; more
February 15, 2014 8:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Traffic reminder; City of Joy donations; shred/sweat for a cause; basketball; theater; music; more
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to James Bratsanos for this morning’s misty view across the Sound)
You can get the jump on what’s up today, tomorrow, next week, by checking the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar any time. Most days, we also publish a list of highlights, like this – but first, two traffic/transit notes (which, if a weekday, would be handled in our separate daily traffic watch):

I-5 SOUTHBOUND REMINDER: Until Tuesday morning, if you’re taking I-5 this way through downtown, be ready for delays north of I-90, because of lane closures for expansion-joint (earthquake safety) work. Here’s the latest “live” view from the area:

More info here.

METRO SERVICE CHANGE TODAY: Just a few changes for West Seattle routes, including one added trip each way on the C Line. System-wide details are here.

Now, to what’s up today/tonight:

CITY OF JOY DONATION DRIVE: 10 am-2 pm, bring your donated items to help West Seattleites stuff a truck for City of Joy, a unique project helping women on the other side of the globe. What’s needed, and why, is in our original report. The truck’s at 44th/Alaska (aka the Farmers’ Market lot).

SHREDDING, AND EXERCISING, FOR A CAUSE: 2-component fundraiser for a team participating in the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society‘s The Big Climb next month, with shredding 10 am-2 pm and a workout at 12:30 pm, in the West Seattle High School parking lot; details in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

MASS WITH THE ARCHBISHOP: World Day of the Sick is marked with a visit from Archbishop J. Peter Sartain at Providence Mount St. Vincent. Public welcome at Mass, 10:30 am, with reception following. (4831 35th SW)

KITTY HARBOR ADOPTION EVENT: The cat-adoption center just north of the West Seattle Bridge will be open this weekend for an offseason adoption event, noon-6 today (and tomorrow), per this WSB Forums post.

NATURE WALK AT LINCOLN PARK: “Owls and Other Organisms” with West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler. 6:30 pm; details in the listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW, OPENING CELEBRATION: At the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus, 7 pm, celebrate the opening of a juried show of photos taken at the garden – then at 8 pm, weather permitting, a procession. Details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

MOONGIRL IN CONCERT: Tonight at Hiawatha Community Center, 7 pm.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 7 pm tonight at West Seattle High School, the WSHS girls-varsity team plays its next postseason game, vs. Eastside Catholic. Come out and cheer! (3000 California SW)

‘PRIVATE EYES’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ “comedy of suspicion and intrigue” continues at 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – find out more (including ticket info/purchase) here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED‘: The newest production at ArtsWest continues tonight, 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

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You’re invited! West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance
February 15, 2014 8:55 am
|    Comments Off on You’re invited! West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced:

Come to the West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance, enjoy fabulous big band music and support West Seattle High School’s music program!

Friday Feb 28 2014 at West Seattle High School. Dinner served 6-7, Swing Dancing Music provided by WSHS Jazz Band and the West Seattle Big Band from 7-9.

Tickets purchased in advance are $15 each, or $17 at the door.

Special deal for students only – $8 ticket purchased at the door for dancing only (no dinner).

Swing dance instruction, door prizes, beverages, dinner & desserts all included!

This event is a fundraiser and West Seattle High School band, orchestra and jazz band students are raising money to pay for their performance and competition trips this spring.

Check out our Facebook page. For more info or to purchase tickets online- please e-mail WestSeattleHSMusic@gmail.com

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Pigeon Point’s place to play: Pathfinder project wants to know what matters to you
February 15, 2014 12:38 am
|    Comments Off on Pigeon Point’s place to play: Pathfinder project wants to know what matters to you
 |   Pigeon Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo by Chris Wells)
Give Pathfinder K-8‘s playground project a boost – if you use the playground there now, or expect to in the years ahead, answer a quick survey. Here’s the backstory and the link:

Pathfinder K-8 is pleased to announce that we won a Neighborhood Matching Fund Small and Simple Grant to rebuild our playground! With $25,000 we can get started by hiring a designer, and recruiting volunteers to match the funds through donated time. Our plan includes hosting 3 public meetings to develop the playground in a way that best serves you, the school and community. A huge thank you to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for helping our community work together to build a better playground.

Want to help us get started? We need your input! Anyone who uses the playground is encouraged to participate. Please tell us what matters to you at the Pathfinder K8 Playground by filling out our short online survey.

Thank you,
Holli Margell and Toni Wells
Outreach Co-Chairs

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Random act of Valentine-ness: What a child gave to strangers
February 14, 2014 9:00 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Tracey for sharing the heartwarming photo and report:

While my husband and I (and four others) were waiting for Circa to open its doors tonight, a young boy walked by with his mom and started handing out these valentines. It was such a sweet gesture and nice surprise! We don’t know his name, but wanted everyone in West Seattle to know how thoughtful he is and that his random act of kindness was appreciated. Oh, and our dinner was DELICIOUS! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-run; break-in; car found
February 14, 2014 8:55 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight: First, a hit-run that Shannon hopes you can help solve:


(Photo added Saturday – click it to see a larger view, rotated so coding is readable)

We were the victims of a hit and run today. Sometime this afternoon between approximately 3:30 pm and 4:20 pm someone sideswiped our silver 2005 Dodge Neon, which was parked facing north on 48th Avenue SW between Juneau and Findlay. There are scratches and body damage starting from the rear driver’s side door continuing up to the front driver’s side tire area, including scratches on the windows and smudges, scratches, and denting on the driver’s door and the driver’s side mirror and casing were smashed. Whoever hit it was going pretty fast and sustained damage to their vehicle as well. I found parts of their smashed passenger side window and casing, along with other car parts as far as 30 feet in front of my car. Enough pieces were found to determine that the person who hit our car was driving a silver Volkswagen – either a 1999-2005 Golf Mk4, 1999-2005 Jetta Mk4, 1998-2001 Passat B5, or a 2001-2005 Passat B5.5. If you know of anyone with a vehicle matching this description that has passenger side damage or is missing a passenger side mirror, or if you saw this happen, please contact me at mitts1212@yahoo.com.

Karen‘s home was burglarized on Thursday:

Our house, located across from Lincoln Park, was broken in through the window of our basement. Camera and about $20 change were taken. House is in a bit of disarray, but doesn’t seem to be missing anything else. They had shoved our dog in a room while rifling through our house.

And one of this week’s stolen cars has been found – Stephanie first reported in this comment Wednesday that her green ’97 two-door Honda Civic had been stolen Monday afternoon from outside her home on Pigeon Point. She didn’t expect to ever see it again. But police found it less than two miles away, she says, at 23rd and Findlay.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL TUESDAY: Come hear from West Seattle’s new precinct commander Capt. Steve Wilske, find out about the city’s Mental Health Court, and share neighborhood concerns, 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster).

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: Donald Plute pleads guilty
February 14, 2014 6:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

He was about to go on trial – but instead, 23-year-old Donald Plute pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a morning-long rampage six months ago, in which he stole a truck on Alki, then rammed it into two vehicles before ditching it in Gatewood and running from police. The first vehicle he rammed had two men inside, one of whom was the owner of the truck Plute had stolen; after that crash in Upper Alki, Plute was spotted by police in Morgan Junction, where one officer thought he had him pulled over – until Plute put the truck into reverse and crashed it into this SPD car before taking off again:

Today, he pleaded guilty to the four charges filed against him in that August case – robbery, two counts of assault, and a charge of attempting to elude. The plea-agreement documents we just downloaded say prosecutors will recommend concurrent sentences equal to a little over 10 and a half years, minus the five-plus months he’s already served. Plute’s record included seven previous felony convictions between 2005 and 2010, including burglary, theft, possession of stolen cars, and another attempt to elude; the earliest crime on the list was committed when he was 14 years old. Plute is scheduled for sentencing on March 14th.

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West Seattle scene: Valentine’s Day sunset at Alki
February 14, 2014 6:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Todd Vandemark for sharing that photo from tonight’s Valentine’s Day sunset – we’re sharing it while working on a couple other distinctly non-Valentiney stories. Enjoy the evening – more rain and wind is said to be on the way, but not right away.

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CSO-control project updates: Truck routes revealed for Murray; drilling time for Barton
February 14, 2014 3:29 pm
|    Comments Off on CSO-control project updates: Truck routes revealed for Murray; drilling time for Barton
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

Updates on both of our area’s King County Wastewater Treatment “combined-sewer overflow control” projects today:


(Click image to see full-size PDF)
MURRAY PROJECT ‘HAUL ROUTES’: Community members have long been asking which route trucks will use to get to and from the Murray (basin) CSO project site across from Lowman Beach, once excavation begins for its million-gallon storage tank. Morgan Community Association president Deb Barker got the word on Thursday that the routes had been finalized and published on the project website – see the map above. We asked KCWT when people along those routes will see the resulting truck traffic. From spokesperson Annie Kolb-Nelson:

Peak truck traffic is expected between April and December 2014 for the following activities: between April and July during the placement of secant piles that will act as support walls; between August and October for the excavation of the storage tank; and between October and December for tank construction (bringing in concrete and materials to the site.) During these time periods, the truck traffic will occur all day long. Work hours are 7-6 on weekdays. Any weekend work would be a special request by the contractor and if it was granted, King County would notify the community. Congestion at the site will be minimized by staging trucks away from the site and having them arrive at the site in a coordinated manner.

As for when the “primary” route would be used and when the “secondary” route would be used instead, that information isn’t available yet but we’ll add it when it is.

BARTON PROJECT PRE-CONSTRUCTION WORK: The Barton (basin) CSO project involves roadside raingardens on certain blocks in Sunrise Heights – and part of the support structure involves wells:

The construction was previewed during the recent pre-construction meetings (WSB coverage here). What’s being drilled at the south end of each raingarden block – 15 blocks getting 91 raingardens in the next year and a half – is a “deep infiltration well.” That’s considered pre-construction work; this year’s official construction schedule, block by block, is here.

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Metro service change Saturday: How West Seattle routes are affected
February 14, 2014 1:58 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Tomorrow is the next official “service change” for Metro, and some West Seattle routes will see changes. RapidRide C Line will add a northbound evening trip and southbound afternoon trip; downtown stops are changing for Route 37; and when Routes 50 and 60 get to Beacon Hill, they won’t be stopping inside the VA Medical Center grounds because of construction. All of the above, and other service changes taking effect tomorrow, are explained here.

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Highway 99 tunnel trouble: Front-end repair access likely
February 14, 2014 1:29 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’re following the saga of the Highway 99 tunnel-machine trouble – another update this afternoon, including word it’s likely that a dig from the surface will be needed so the machine can be fixed from its front end:

Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) informed WSDOT today that they expect to receive a plan on potential repairs to the SR 99 tunneling machine from the machine’s manufacturer Hitachi Zosen by the end of this month. This will include a schedule for how long the repair work would take. Earlier this week, STP told us the plan may be completed by the end of the week, but said today more time is needed for the Hitachi to prepare it.

It appears likely that repairs will be made by digging a shaft from the surface so the machine can be entered from the front. Entering the back of the machine would require removal of more equipment and likely take longer. STP will begin work next week on the design of the shaft so if that option is selected, some of the necessary work will already be underway.

This past Monday, as reported here and elsewhere, we got first word it will be “months” before tunneling can resume. The tunnel originally was expected to open by the end of 2015, with Viaduct demolition following its opening; no schedule revision’s been announced yet.

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New West Seattle business: Meeples Games at Charlestown Center
February 14, 2014 11:05 am
|      49 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Laura Schneider with the banner that’ll hold a place outside until signage is installed)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The space vacated when Anytime Fitness moved from Charlestown Center to the ex-Admiral Blockbuster already has a new tenant.

In fact, Laura Schneider signed the lease last fall and has been eagerly waiting to get in and get going.

This spring, Schneider plans to open Meeples Games in the northern second-floor space of the California/Charlestown building, next to West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor).

No, “games” does not mean an electronic arcade. Schneider declares that Meeples will be “all analog, all the time.” Not that she is opposed to electronics – she is a former software executive – but she researched the region while deciding where to open the business she has long dreamed of running, and this is a niche unserved in West Seattle, a place to buy and play board, card, and role-playing games, both informally and during organized events. She envisions seminars, too. And more:

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West Seattle development, lot-split edition: 5028 Puget Blvd.; 3239 California; 4050 30th; 5303 21st; 3273 37th; 2450 55th; plus, Design Review reminders
February 14, 2014 10:01 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Lot splits and boundary changes often portend development projects, so we’ve been tracking them in the city system, and some of the newest proposals top this update on West Seattle development:

7 LOTS @ 5028 PUGET BOULEVARD SW: One block east of Delridge, the overgrown 35,000-square-foot site shown above is under review for a seven-lot split. The proposal appeared in the city’s newest Land Use Information Bulletin – here’s the official notice, which triggers a two-week comment period (here’s how to send in a comment). There is no formal filing for construction permits so far, but online city files include a site plan originally filed more than a year ago, showing three homes fronting Puget Boulevard and four to the east, upslope, behind them. There is also an arborist’s report showing 63 “significant” trees on site, three of them considered “exceptional.” Concerns about this project, which will require environmental review, are outlined in a discussion in the North Delridge Neighborhood Council Google Group.

3 PARCELS, 2 LOTS @ 3239 CALIFORNIA SW (map): As reported here in December, this site, which currently holds a commercial building, is proposed for demolition and residential development.

It’s on the west side of the block upzoned in 2010, with at least two other projects pending. The land-use permit application is now in for reconfiguring it into what the online file calls three parcels and two unit lots.

4 LOTS AT 4050 30TH SW (map): This is the long-idle townhouse site in a triangular spot at SW Avalon, SW Yancy, and 30th SW, which has lain idle since the project stalled in the recession.

Now it’s up for approval of a four-unit lot split to proceed. Here’s the official notice; here’s how to comment.

3 PARCELS AT 5303 21ST SW (map): This site is proposed for splitting one lot into three. A formal development proposal is not attached, but the applicant of record is a construction company.

BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS AT 3273 37TH SW (map) A project is in the works for this three-lot site with one 95-year-old house that’s targeted for demolition, according to documents available online. The official proposal is to adjust the boundaries.

2 PARCELS @ 2450 55TH SW (map): In the Alki area, this lot split is proposed with a site plan showing a duplex to be built between two existing houses, one fronting 55th and one fronting Wickstrom to the east. Here’s the official notice; here’s how to comment.

The Land Use Information Bulletins this week also included the three formal notices for the March 6th Southwest Design Review Board meeting, regarding two north West Seattle projects already reported here (one with additional information):

1606 CALIFORNIA SW (map): 6:30 pm March 6th, Senior Center of West Seattle. We first reported back in October about this proposed 3-story, 16-unit apartment building, with 21 planned parking spaces; this SWDRB date was set a month ago. Here’s the official notice.

3257 HARBOR AVENUE SW AND 3303 HARBOR AVENUE SW (map): The review is at 8 pm March 6th, also SC of WS. First mentioned here last month, the notices for 3257 and 3303 confirm this is a two-building, 6-story project proposed for a total of more than 90 units.

SIDE NOTE – LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW LAND USE WORKS: Have trouble slogging through notices, deadlines, comment requirements, when do you get to have a public hearing and when don’t you, etc.? Come to the next Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting on Wednesday (February 19th), 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, to hear from local neighborhood leaders who will break it down from a truly public point of view.

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Roxbury safety project: ‘Tons of feedback’ at meeting #1
February 14, 2014 9:14 am
|    Comments Off on Roxbury safety project: ‘Tons of feedback’ at meeting #1
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

We didn’t get to the first SW Roxbury Safety Project meeting last night because of breaking news, but Joe Szilagyi from the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council did, and you can see his report on the WWRHAH website. He says the SDOT team got “tons of feedback” and provided new details on what happens next.

In the immediate future, the previously announced February 26th meeting at Roxhill Elementary is the next step, but after that, as you’ll see in Joe’s report, there’s a further timetable for conversations and implementation.

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West Seattle development followup: Formal notice of March 11th hearing on 4755 Fauntleroy ‘alley vacation’
February 14, 2014 8:50 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development followup: Formal notice of March 11th hearing on 4755 Fauntleroy ‘alley vacation’
 |   4755 Fauntleroy | Environment | West Seattle news

Back on Wednesday, we reported the date had finally been set for the City Council Transportation Committee’s public hearing on the “alley vacation” that needs council approval before The Whittaker, aka “the Whole Foods project,” can proceed at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW: 9:30 am March 11th in council chambers at City Hall. This morning, the official city notice is out – see it here. It includes details on how to comment at, and before, the March 11th hearing. It also includes this map of the site and the surrounding area (partially shown at right). The hearing before the Transportation Committee, chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, is the first step in formal council consideration; the full council would consider it afterward.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend I-5 alert
February 14, 2014 6:59 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend I-5 alert
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(More cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page)
No notable problems reported in the area so far this morning. So we’ll start with the reminder about southbound I-5 lane closures during the long weekend ahead:

I-5 WORK: Between 9 pm tonight and early Tuesday morning, WSDOT plans lane closures on southbound I-5 to replace four expansion joints. The work zone will be somewhere between just north of the Convention Center downtown and I-90. Details here.

NO WATER TAXI MONDAY: Presidents Day is Monday and the West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis will not be running. Seattle Public Schools will be out all week for midwinter break.

6:42 PM: Crash at 35th/Holden but no serious injuries reported and when we drove through a few minutes ago (thanks for the tips!) tow trucks were clearing both vehicles, with traffic getting through both ways.

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High-school postseason basketball: West Seattle girls win by 1 @ Holy Names
February 13, 2014 8:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Big win tonight in the West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team’s postseason – they beat Holy Names Academy at HNA, 40-39. Head coach Sonya Elliott tells WSB her team’s next game is expected to be Saturday night at home; opponent TBA.

ADDED 10:35 PM: More from WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand, who covered the game on Capitol Hill:

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Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk on Valentine’s Day eve
February 13, 2014 7:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk on Valentine’s Day eve
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you head out to West Seattle Art Walk venues tonight, you’ll see a whole lot of Valentine inspiration. That includes the Hope Lutheran Preschool student art show at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor). Above – the three-year-olds’ Valentine-related art project, explained on the official Art Walk website. Hotwire is one of 18 venues where it’s Art Walk night until 9 pm; the map and other previews are in our list of today’s highlights.

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Traffic alerts and more: Eastbound bridge crash; stalled car near west end of westbound bridge; police response on 36th
February 13, 2014 6:07 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 PM: Sounds like plenty of commute-time trouble out there. Police are directing traffic around a crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge by the 99 exit; we have no details except that it is affecting traffic.

(SDOT camera looking westward on the bridge from Delridge-exit vicinity)
Meantime, commenter “Enough” posted on the daily traffic roundup that there’s a stalled car blocking a lane near the westbound edge of the westbound bridge. And if you noticed fire/police activity around 35th/Fauntleroy and just north – unrelated incidents; there was a medic response of some sort outside the strip mall on the northwest corner of 35th/Fauntleroy; and while checking that out, we noticed a sizable police response to the north, on 36th. Officers there tell us they were called to deal with an “agitated person” who turned up on someone’s porch.

6:25 PM: A team member who just traveled the bridge says the eastbound crash appears to be clear, but the westbound backup still looks “intense,” with the stalled car continuing to block a lane.

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Video: Minimum-wage discussion @ West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
February 13, 2014 5:23 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Next month, a new Seattle City Council committee starts hearings on income inequality, an issue that has been focused lately on potentially raising the minimum wage. The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce brought in a panel to discuss the issue at its lunch meeting today, and you can see that discussion in its entirety in our video, above. The panel, moderated by George Allen of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, included Janet Ali from Nucor Steel, Craig Dawson from Retail Lockbox, Matt Landers from the Greater Seattle Business Association, Andres Mantilla from CBE Strategic, and Josh McDonald of the Seattle Restaurant Alliance.

Questions included what participants see as the pros/cons of an increase. They also discussed the survey that went public on Wednesday, showing that two-thirds of likely voters polled in Seattle supported the $15 concept. (Here is the survey firm’s memo, shared by Working Wasington.) The Chamber also is circulating this online-survey link, in connection with other neighborhood business organizations around the city – it’s open until Friday afternoon, and you’re invited to take it, whether you’re an entrepreneur or employee.

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Car thief takes a saw to The Club; bicycle taken today; two other West Seattle Crime Watch reports
February 13, 2014 2:34 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon – starting with one of the stolen cars reported here yesterday. Found, but not in good shape. Alex explains:

The husk of my car (’95 Honda Civic) was recovered around 3 am this morning abandoned in the street in SE Seattle, stripped of engine, lights, and everything apparently of value, about 24 hours after being stolen from in front of my house in High Point.

Attached are choice photos of the remains – all non-valuable junk strewn throughout … and you can see where they sawed through the steering wheel to remove the (still intact and functioning) Club. The thieves were kind enough to leave my junk in my trunk (maps, snow/ice scraper, spare sneakers and boots, soft roof rack and straps – though they did take my emergency go-bag). They’re so efficient! Glad I have insurance.

From Sean today, this photo and report:

I just reported my stolen bike to SPD. It’s a white Raleigh Cadent FT-1 with a bike pump attached and front and back lights.

MAIL THEFT: From JV: “Not sure what time of day but it was during daylight hours, probably early afternoon on Monday, Feb. 10. A mail order prescription was taken from our mailbox on the street on California between SW 98th and Roxbury. Funny thing is that it was a laxative. I wonder what the street value is. A neighbor found the ripped open pouch down the street and called us and returned it so we could reorder. The rest of the mail was dumped in the street and soaked by the rain. No big loss, mostly junk mail.”

MYSTERY DOOR-KNOCK: First we had the mystery middle-of-the-night doorbell-ringing, now, overnight, we received a report of a mystery “someone (pounding) the heck out of my door in Arbor Heights at Marine View Drive SW and SW 102nd.”

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West Seattle Transportation Coalition: Why they’re backing potential ballot measure ‘with caveats’; other hot topics
February 13, 2014 12:33 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Metro bus yard last November, the day we covered a media briefing on potential Metro cuts/changes)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Though the King County Council hasn’t finalized what it’s likely sending to voters in April, asking for bus and road funding, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition has endorsed it.

As we tweeted during the WSTC’s wide-ranging meeting Tuesday night at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center:

Here’s how they got there – and what else was discussed that you should know about what’s happening on the roads and paths around West Seattle:

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